A.I. and Genius Machines

by Scientific American

In science fiction, artificial intelligence takes the shape of computers that can speak like people, think for themselves, and sometimes act against us. Reality of course is vastly different, though in many ways computers surpass their fictional counterparts. This book reviews work in the field and covers topics from chess-playing to quantum computing. The writers tackle how to make computers more powerful, how we define consciousness, what the hard problems are, and even how computers might be built once the limits of silicon chips have been reached.

Genres: Science

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2013

About the author

Scientific American , as an institutional author, is a popular science magazine founded by Rufus M. Porter and controlled by Nature Publishing Group since autumn, 2008. Mariette DiChristina has been editor-in-chief since December, 2009.

Reviews

[Steve]

"A.I. and Genius Machines" by Scientific American is an audiobook that delves into the world of artificial intelligence and its impact on society. The book covers a wide range of topics, from chess-playing to quantum computing, and provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of A.I. research.

The audiobook is narrated by Alex Boyles, who does an excellent job of bringing the material to life. His clear and engaging voice makes it easy to follow along with the complex concepts presented in the book. The audiobook is well-produced, with high-quality sound and a professional feel.

One of the strengths of "A.I. and Genius Machines" is its accessibility. The book is written in a way that is easy to understand, even for those who are not experts in the field of A.I. The authors do an excellent job of breaking down complex concepts into simple terms, making it easy for anyone to follow along.

Another strength of the book is its breadth of coverage. The authors cover a wide range of topics, from the history of A.I. to its current applications in fields such as medicine and finance. They also explore the ethical implications of A.I. and its potential impact on society.

One of the most interesting sections of the book is the discussion of the "singularity" - the point at which A.I. surpasses human intelligence and becomes capable of improving itself at an exponential rate. The authors explore the potential consequences of this event, both positive and negative, and provide a thought-provoking analysis of what the future may hold.

Overall, "A.I. and Genius Machines" is an excellent audiobook that provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of A.I. research. The book is well-written, well-produced, and highly accessible, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating field.

[J]

I got this from the library, and the publication date was listed as 2025 in my library app (not Libby). This was not correct. In this introduction, it became immediately clear how outdated this book is. According to Goodreads this book was published in 2013. I stuck with it for a few short chapters, but so much is irrelevant with the actual developments in AI over the last 12 years.

[Tré]

Didn't finish. Didnt like and there are too many books I do want to read on this topic.

Maybe I'll try again someday.